The veneration of Saint Olga of Alaska is spreading within the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, according to the website of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). The Church reports that a relic of the newly canonized saint has been transferred from the United States to the Czech Republic.

On October 30, Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, who visited Slovakia at the end of October, met in Prešov with Metropolitan Rastislav, Primate of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia. During the meeting, Fr. Alessandro conveyed greetings from Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the OCA, and presented a relic of Saint Olga of Alaska. Metropolitan Rastislav expressed gratitude for the gift, emphasizing the importance of spiritual ties and fraternal communion between the two Churches.

The visit also included discussions on theological education, pastoral training, and cooperation between theological faculties. The OCA representative visited the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky and the Faculty of Theology of Prešov University.

Saint Olga of Alaska (in the world Olga Arrsamquq Michael, 1916–1979) was a member of the Yup’ik people and lived her entire life in the village of Kwethluk, Alaska. She was the wife of an Orthodox priest and a respected midwife who devoted herself to helping women and families in difficult circumstances. Known affectionately as “Matushka Olga,” she was revered for her compassion, humility, and care for those who suffered.

In November 2023, the Holy Synod of the OCA canonized her, establishing November 10 as her feast day. Her relics were uncovered on November 16, 2024, in Kwethluk and translated to the local Church of St. Nicholas.

Saint Olga is regarded as a patroness of women, particularly those who have suffered from violence. What began as local veneration in Alaska has now spread across the Orthodox world — from North America to Europe.